Alternative names: Guadalcanal Swiftlet
- Aerodramus orientalis
Identification
With 13 to 14cm a large Swiftlet.
- Shallow tail fork and short tail
- Black upperparts
- Broad, pale grey rump
- Sooty-brown underparts
- Slightly feathered tarsi (leletensis unfeathered)
Distribution
Found on New Ireland (Papua New Guinea) and Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands). One specimen known from Bougainville.
Restricted range species with very little information about habitat and population.
Taxonomy
Like other Aerodramus Swiftles this species is often placed in Collocalia.
Formerly considered conspecific with Whitehead's Swiftlet. Also placed in a superspecies with Bare-legged Swiftlet.
Two subspecies recognised:
- A.o. orientalis on Guadalcanal
- A.o. leletensis on New Ireland
Habitat
Believed to be a highland species.
Behaviour
No information about food, feeding, breeding or behaviour.
Believed to be a resident.
